KOOTENAY NATIONAL PARK AND VICINITY - Canadian Rockies: Including Banff and Jasper National Parks - page 258

waters of Sinclair Creek, but not enough for a two-lane highway. But that was nothing a
stick of dynamite couldn't fix. In addition to artificially widening the canyon, road build-
ers constructed the highway over the top of the creek where it flows through the narrow
gap. Small parking lots above and below the canyon provide an opportunity to pull over
and walk through the canyon.
HIKING
Some 200 kilometers (124 miles) of trails lace Kootenay National Park. Hiking opportun-
ities range from short interpretive walks to challenging treks through remote backcountry.
All trails start from Highway 93 on the valley floor, so you'll be facing a strenuous climb
to reach the park's high alpine areas, especially those in the south. For this reason, many
hikes require an overnight stay in the backcountry. The following hikes are listed from east
to west.
MM Stanley Glacier
• Length: 4.2 kilometers/2.6 miles (90 minutes) one-way
• Elevation gain: 350 meters/1,150 feet
• Rating: moderate
• Trailhead: Highway 93, 7 kilometers (4.4 miles) west of the Continental Divide
Although this glacier is no more spectacular than those alongside the Icefields Parkway
just a few minutes' drive away, the sense of achievement of traveling on foot makes this
trail well worth the effort. From Highway 93, the trail crosses the upper reaches of the
Vermilion River, then begins a steady climb through an area burned by devastating fires
in 1968. After two kilometers (1.2 miles), the trail levels off and begins winding through
a massive U-shaped glacial valley, crossing Stanley Creek at the 2.4-kilometer (1.5-mile)
mark. In open areas, fireweed, harebells, and yellow columbine carpet the ground. To the
west, the sheer face of Mount Stanley rises 500 meters (1,640 feet) above the forest.
The trail officially ends atop the crest of a moraine after 4.2 kilometers (2.6 miles), with
distant views to Stanley Glacier. It's possible (and worthwhile) to continue 1.3 kilometers
(0.8 mile) to the tree-topped plateau visible higher up the valley. After reaching the top of
the first moraine beyond the official trail end, take the left fork, which switchbacks up and
over another crest before making a steady ascent through slopes of loose scree to the plat-
eau. Surprisingly, once on the plateau, you'll find a gurgling stream, a healthy population
of marmots, and incredible views west to Stanley Glacier and north back down the valley.